Checklist For Student Emergency Kits

Student Emergency Kits

My kids spend about 8 hours a day at school. That means they are in someone else’s care for a good portion of the day, let alone the year. As a mom, I want to do all I can to be sure they are safe, cared for and know I love them even if I can’t be there with them.

There are many kinds of emergencies that could happen during school hours. I live in an area where it is completely possible that a snow storm could keep busses, or mom’s, from getting to the school to pick up our kids. I think we’re all too aware of other emergencies that may keep kids, and schools on lock down too.

As parents, wouldn’t it be nice to know our kids have student emergency kits tucked away at school for that “just in case” moment?

Before we talk about what to put in the kits, let’s talk about who is responsible to fill them. The school systems are already bogged down with costs, and they have very tight budgets. Student Emergency Kits for students should be the parents responsibility! The Parent Teacher Association can head up the project, and help coordinate with the school, but the child’s grown ups need to pay for, and provide the emergency kits for the Parent committee. Kits should be gathered at the school, and stored at the school.

Here are the basic items needed for each Student Emergency Kits:

1 Gallon Plastic Zip Bag – Write the Student’s Name, Home Room Teacher, and Grade on the front of the plastic bag. All items will need to fit in this bag. If all students kits are the same size, they are easier to store. Also, these kits need to bridge a small gap of time so they don’t need to be huge.

Water– a bottle or box, but no more than that.

Granola Bar – Check expiration dates. These kits should be gathered at the beginning of the school year and will be returned at the end of the year. Make sure the bar does not expire in that 9 month period.

2 Hard Candies – Candy always makes kids feel better. Hard candies will not melt and will last for a while when the kids suck on them.

Gummy Fruit Snacks or Crackers – Small packets of food are always good to include.

A Poncho– You may substitute a 13 gallon trash bag for elementary school students (they’re short). If you live in an area where it’s not likely to rain or snow, skip this.

A Letter from their Grown-Ups – Just a little note to let them know you’re thinking of them. Remind them to smile, and you will be with them soon. These notes can be written on a “Thank You” card size stationary.

A Picture of the Child’s Family– This will help the student feel secure looking at a picture of their family. These are also helpful for the Red Cross or other Emergency personnel to unite siblings, or ID family members as they come to pick up children.

If the kits are not needed during the school year, they should be returned to the students near the last day of school. Collect new kits each year.

***** Tip – When my son’s teacher opened the bin to passed out the kits at the end of this past school year, a mouse was found in the bin muntching on all the kiddos snacks. All the kits had to be thrown out. I’m so glad there wasn’t an emergency and all the kits were thrown out at the end of the year. Once the bins are filled with the Emergency Kits, the bins needto be sealed with duct tape. If a new Emergency Kit is added, don’t just peel back the tape, take it all the way off and seal with new duct tape. *****

As a parent, it gives me such peace of mind to know that I’ve provided my kids with a little extra love from home at a time that may be really scared. It is equally important to prepare for emergencies at school, as it is at home.